Lock Cylinders - Inoperative/Proper Lubricant Usage

86-15
10
DEC., 1985
Subject: LUBRICATION OF LOCK CYLINDER-DOOR, DECK LID AND FUEL DOOR
Model and Year: ALL MODELS
TO: ALL CHEVROLET DEALERS


Door, deck lid and fuel filler lock cylinders are being returned from the field, due to customer comments of a binding or inoperative condition which is due to lack of lubrication, caused by the use of penetrating oils. These penetrating oils do not lubricate the cylinders but wash out the factory installed lubricant. Penetrating oils are not to be used in any lock cylinders. Also materials, including silicone, which contain chlorinated propellants are not to be used on black plastic cylinders. The chlorine attacks the plastic. Further, lock de-icers which contain alcohol to remove the moisture from the cylinders, additionally tend to cut the existing lubricants.

To maintain proper lubrication of lock cylinders it is recommended that a light oil or graphite lubricant be used such as LOCK-EASE* or equivalent, and particularly so if a lock de-icer was previously necessitated.